The “lion” and fear

Pay attention to the members of this tribe and their actions: they moved forward without fear of facing the lion, knowing how much they depended on this not only to preserve their cultural heritage, but above all to defend their territory and it was their only means of survival.

Although they had prepared for this moment for seven years, it would be there at that moment that they would really prove if all the lessons and hours of intensive training would pay off.

This example made me think seriously about what God teaches us in His Word:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5: 8)

Our “lion” has a name and it is the devil. The one who tempts us, who is around us every moment and tries to “devour” us through the problems of adverse circumstances, temptations, etc. The only way to get rid of him and not fall into his trap is by facing him without fear! With confidence on what we learn from God’s Word, believing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us! (Rm.8: 37)

Did you notice how the lion became intimidated and fled when the men approached him? That is what the devil does: He fears us when we are not afraid of him… He is only given one alternative, to escape!

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (Tg.4: 7)

Friend, for this to happen it is necessary that your actions prove, in fact, your belief. It does not mean, of course, that these men were not afraid to approach those lions because they are wild and unpredictable. However, they did not allow themselves to be dominated by this fear, because of the goal that drove them. They brought to mind and practiced everything they had been taught during the time of their preparation.

This is how it has to be with us too, we must bring to our minds what we learn from God and His Word. If you become terrified before the problems, difficult situations, the trials and temptations, what kind of faith will you demonstrate? This will only prove that all the teaching, advise, messages, whether it was little or a lot have not been beneficial to you because you lack to practice a fearless faith!

Remember Daniel, Whose faith made God shut the mouths of the lions? (Dn.6: 22)

But why?

Because if he did not fear the king’s decree, which had the power to save his life or put him to death, much less the mouths of the lions!

This certainty along with being fearless allows us to move forward, develop our faith and be honored by God in order to glorify His name.

Who told Daniel not to bow before a man? Who urged him to remain faithful?

Daniel, himself, made this choice!

He made the choice to remain faithful in his moment with God, preserving, above all keeping his good conscience. This was his priority!

This attitude made God save him from death. But not only that! His choice made the name of God become known throughout the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, who, by his own decree, ordered that everyone should recognize the saving power of the God of Daniel! (Dn.6: 26)

Another example of this is Joseph, who was taken to prison for many years because he chose not to give in to temptation. (Gn.39: 10-12) and later on became the great governor of Egypt!

God “saw” the choices they made and rewarded them accordingly. Just as He is watching us at every moment, He sees our reactions and through them we prove if we really keep and practice His Word.

The choices I make will guide my life thereafter. This is why many are not approved when they face certain situations, struggles, problems, trials, and temptations…

Everything that Daniel and Joseph learned about God, through the teachings of their ancestors, was put to the test. This is what spoke louder and we were able to see what God did in them and through them.

God sees everything we are and do, and does not influence our choices after He has taught us, guided us and given us His Word. It is up to each one of us to hear and put it into practice. To pay attention to what we have learned and be careful to put it to practice.